Intro:

Second-placed Armel Le Cleac'h celebrates with champagne as Francois Gabart continues to lead the around-the-world yacht race the Vendee Globe.

The fleet is currently heading towards the equator in the Atlantic Ocean.

Script:

It was a day for celebrations in the Vendee Globe as some of the leaders were able to cross the equator.

As has become customary for Armel Le Cleac'h, he marked the occasion by swigging from a bottle of Moet champagne.

Despite shortening the lead of Francois Gabart, the skipper of Macif remains in the lead.

Le Cleac'h has reclaimed 104 miles in the last 24 hours on Gabart and is now just over 143 miles behind.

The front runners in the race are literally 'stuck in the Doldrums' at the moment.

The area around the equator is difficult to navigate because of its lack of a prevailing wind.